Variable Aerodynamic Wheel Flap Control for Drag Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wheels fail to effectively reduce air resistance and maintain aerodynamic performance due to limited drag reduction and durability issues related to elastic deformation, particularly when considering multi-dimensional airflow and heat-generated stress.

Innovation Solution

A variable aerodynamic wheel with a rotatable flap system between spokes, controlled by a drive unit including a rotary motor and gear system, which adjusts the flap's angle to optimize airflow based on driving conditions, including speed and mode, to enhance aerodynamics and reduce drag and lift.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a spring-based elastic mechanism is used to deform the wheel shape, then aerodynamic performance can be adjusted, but durability deteriorates due to heat-induced deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerodynamic performance adjustmentVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the spring-based elastic mechanism with an active control system comprising actuators and a control unit. This substitution eliminates the reliance on elastic materials that deform under heat, thereby resolving the durability issue while maintaining aerodynamic adjustability through controlled flap movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic control system that actively adjusts the flap position based on real-time driving conditions (speed, steering angle, brake status) rather than relying on passive elastic deformation. This dynamic approach allows precise aerodynamic optimization without the limitations of material elasticity under thermal stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If conventional one-dimensional air flow consideration is used, then the design is simple, but drag reduction effect is extremely limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign simplicityVSAvoidair resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional air flow consideration to three-dimensional wake flow optimization. By positioning adjustable flaps at the rear of the wheel and controlling their angles based on multi-dimensional airflow patterns, the system optimizes wake structure and reduces drag more effectively than conventional approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes multiple parameters including flap angle, wheel rotation speed, and vehicle operating conditions to optimize aerodynamic performance. The control unit adjusts flap positions based on real-time data, enabling adaptive drag reduction that responds to varying driving conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-generated harmful factors

If the wheel opening ratio and curvature are reduced to improve aerodynamics, then air resistance decreases, but design optimization becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair resistanceVSAvoiddesign optimization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the wheel structure into modular components with adjustable flaps positioned at the rear. This segmentation allows independent optimization of aerodynamic elements without redesigning the entire wheel, simplifying the design process while achieving effective drag reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal solution that can be applied to various wheel designs by adding the adjustable flap mechanism. This multi-functional approach allows the same aerodynamic optimization technique to be used across different vehicle types and wheel configurations without complex custom design for each case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution significantly reduces air resistance, optimizes wake flow on the vehicle body, and improves driving performance and fuel efficiency by dynamically adjusting the flap's position to suit various driving conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a variable flap rotatably disposed in the plurality of through spaces of the spoke wheel, and having a shape to cover an associated through space so as to open or close the associated through space according to a rotation angle thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAirflow control through geometric adjustment:

Implementation Method 2

a rotary motor provided in the hub, and provided with a drive gear for transmitting the rotational power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion:

Implementation Method 3

a ring gear provided to be rotatable about a center of the hub, formed to extend in a circumferential direction of the hub, and engaged with the drive gear; and a transmission gear coupled to the variable flap, and engaged with the ring gear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear transmission: Gear

Implementation Method 4

a power-generating cover formed in a plate shape to cover the drive unit, fixedly mounted to the hub, and constituted by a thermoelectric device that generates electrical energy using heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermoelectric effect: Seebeck Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11318781B2Variable aerodynamic wheel and control system thereof
Publication Date: 2022.05.03 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US11318781B2 patent drawing
  • US11318781B2 patent drawing
  • US11318781B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A variable aerodynamic wheel includes: a spoke wheel having a plurality of spokes connecting a hub and a rim together are spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of through spaces defined between the plurality of spokes to allow air to pass therethrough; a variable flap rotatably disposed in the plurality of through spaces of the spoke wheel, and configured in a shape to cover an associated through space so as to open or close the associated through space according to a rotation angle thereof; and a drive unit disposed in the spoke wheel, and connected to the variable flap such that the rotation angle of the variable flap is adjusted as rotational power is transmitted.